Brand Spotlight: Oliberté

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, but wouldn’t it be nice if your next purchase could encourage better global business practices too? Oliberté is the world’s first Fair Trade Certified Footwear brand, meaning they respect the rights of all of their workers, including the workers of their factory in sub-Saharan Africa. They provide double the minimum Ethiopian wage for their workers, a safe work environment, equal opportunities for men and women, and stable jobs.

What makes them stand apart from other “socially conscious” companies and brands is that they are actually socially conscious. Their motto is to trade, not aid – a “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” mentality. Not only are all of Oliberté’s materials locally sourced in Africa – including their premium free-range, hormone-free cow and goat leather, rubber, machinery and labels – but they create opportunities that allow individuals to grow, instead of stealing chances of social and economic development from local makers and merchants.

The outcome from the Oakville-based company is a positive impact on the African economy and high quality, handmade products that look great too! Since their inception in 2009, Oliberté has created a full line of leather shoes with rubber soles and bags for men and women that are available at over 100 stores across the globe. Watch how they’re made below and keep up with Oliberté through their website, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter.

Like what you see? We’ll be hosting a Oliberté Online Pop-Up Shop with up to 70% off men & women’s Fair Trade Certified footwear on April.15th, 2015 to April 16th, 2015!